December 5, 2025
A full home renovation is one of the most rewarding yet complex projects a homeowner can take on. Whether you’re modernizing a decades-old house or adapting your layout for a growing family, a full-scale remodel can dramatically improve both function and comfort. But without a clear roadmap, the process can become overwhelming.
This guide walks you through every major phase of a full home remodel, providing helpful insights, realistic expectations, and professional tips to ensure your renovation experience is as smooth as it is successful.
Before any construction begins, everything starts with a plan.
Begin by identifying your main renovation goals. Are you hoping to increase resale value? Fix structural issues? Add more usable space? Clarity on these goals will shape your entire project, from the scope to the finish selections.
Next, budget realistically. In Canada, home renovation costs can range from $100 to $250 per square foot, depending on materials and scope. You should also set aside 10–20% as a contingency fund. Surprises like outdated wiring or hidden water damage are common during older home remodels.
Additionally, think about how the remodel will affect your day-to-day life. Will you live in the home during construction? Do you need to relocate temporarily? Sorting these details early reduces future stress.
The quality of your renovation heavily depends on the team you choose.
A licensed general contractor is typically responsible for coordinating trades, scheduling tasks, managing permits, and ensuring the entire project stays on track. When hiring, look for someone with:
For projects involving layout changes or custom finishes, working with a designer or architect can also be helpful. They bring structure to the design process, ensure materials are selected ahead of time, and reduce mid-project decision fatigue.
Ultimately, a well-chosen team transforms the remodel from a daunting task into a manageable, structured experience.
Before any demolition, get the legal details sorted:
Once plans are approved and permits secured, demolition begins. This is where the transformation gets real and noisy.
Demolition can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more depending on the size of the home. Walls may come down, flooring may be removed, and existing plumbing and electrical fixtures may be taken out. Dust barriers, floor protection, and debris bins are all critical to keep the site safe and clean.
Following demolition, trades begin structural and rough-in work, which includes:
This phase often uncovers issues that weren’t visible during planning. Damaged subfloors, rot, or code violations may extend your timeline, which is why that contingency budget exists.
This is the most visually exciting part of your remodel.
After inspections, walls are insulated and closed with drywall. Next comes painting, followed by the installation of flooring, whether that’s hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl plank. Your space starts to resemble the final vision you imagined.
Kitchen and bathroom installations usually follow. During this phase, you’ll see:
Final carpentry such as baseboards, trim, and interior doors is the last step in this stage. It’s all about details: matching paint lines, perfect tile spacing, and level finishes.
As the remodel nears completion, a final walk-through is scheduled with your contractor. This is your opportunity to inspect the work and create a “punch list,” a checklist of items that still need fixing or adjustment.
This list may include:
Once all items are completed and you’re satisfied with the outcome, your renovation team will do a final cleanup. The transformation is now ready for you to enjoy.
Renovations take time. Depending on the size of your home and the extent of work, full remodels can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, or longer for complex projects. Living through a renovation also requires flexibility.
If you’re staying in the house, prepare for:
If you have kids or pets, you may want to arrange temporary stays elsewhere during the loudest or most disruptive phases.
The key to staying sane? Communication. Schedule regular check-ins with your contractor. Confirm milestones. Ask for updates. The more informed you are, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
No renovation goes exactly as planned but most obstacles can be managed with clear expectations and proper planning.
Some common issues include:
Most of these can be minimized by locking down selections early, understanding timelines, and working with experienced professionals.
Reno King General Contractors Ltd. is a trusted name in residential and commercial renovations across Edmonton and surrounding areas. We specialize in managing full home remodels from start to finish, including planning, design coordination, permit handling, construction, and final walkthroughs.
Our experienced team brings professionalism, precision, and transparent communication to every job, so your renovation is done right the first time.
Ready to renovate your home? Contact us today to get started with a personalized consultation.
